In Xuchang City, the Grand General's mansion.
Cao Cao still sat before the desk in the main hall, occasionally dipping his brush and filling in name after name on the memorial. The rewards for merit were nearing their conclusion.
"Reporting to my Lord!" a personal guard stepped in. "General Cao Xiu, Commandant Cheng Yu, and the mounted archer Huang Zhong have arrived!"
Just before this...
Cao Cao had specifically sent for Cao Xiu, Cheng Yu, and Huang Zhong. While the Dragon Riders camp had earned considerable merit, General Cao Xiu, Commandant Cheng Yu, and Huang Zhong, who had personally slain the enemy general "Sky-Shattering Yaksha" He Man in Runan City, had undoubtedly contributed immensely.
Therefore, Cao Cao summoned them first.
"Have them brought in..." Cao Cao instructed, lowering his head. Noticing the time of day, which was approaching dusk, he added, "Prepare some food. I will dine with these three meritorious individuals." With that, he gave the guard a subtle nod.
Moments later, Cao Xiu, Cheng Yu, and Huang Zhong entered the hall, accompanied by four bowls of steaming dumplings...
It was said that Cao Cao particularly loved dumplings. The satisfaction of a single bite was something no other food could match, much like his personality—he preferred forceful attacks and disliked gradual progress.
In a short while, Cao Xiu, Cheng Yu, and Huang Zhong entered the hall.
Upon seeing these three meritorious figures from the Dragon Riders camp, Cao Cao immediately rose and said, "Don't be so formal, please sit. Try these dumplings first. I specifically ordered some leeks to be added, which makes the taste even better than before."
Leeks?
Cao Xiu, Cheng Yu, and Huang Zhong's attention was clearly not on the leeks.
"Lord Cao, we have already eaten," Cao Xiu replied...
"Hmm..." Cao Cao shook his head slightly. "What a pity, but it matters not. You can try them next time."
Saying this, Cao Cao turned his head, picked up the memorial, and placed it before Cao Xiu, Cheng Yu, and Huang Zhong. Cao Cao stated directly, "This is the memorial I will present to the Emperor at the morning court tomorrow. It contains the official positions I am recommending for you."
There was no need for excessive words...
The contributions of the Dragon Riders camp and Yu'er's strategic planning were inseparable, but Cao Xiu, Cheng Yu, and Huang Zhong were also greatly meritorious. Considering the relationship between the Dragon Riders camp and Yu'er, and Yu'er's identity, Cao Cao decided to reward them handsomely.
Upon hearing of the rewards...
Cao Xiu, Cheng Yu, and Huang Zhong's eyes all turned towards the document.
—Memorializing Cao Xiu as Cavalry Commandant, to lead the Dragon Riders camp, with no fixed strength limit;
—Memorializing Cheng Yu as General of the East, to be recorded in the Ministry of Personnel, participating in the decision-making of important court affairs, while also serving as Commandant of the Dragon Riders camp;
As for Huang Zhong, Cao Cao directly memorialized him as—General Who Pacifies the East!
Cavalry Commandant, General of the East, General Who Pacifies the East... These were official positions Cao Cao had pondered for a long time.
Let's first discuss... Cao Xiu.
He was originally a Commandant of the Guards, capable of commanding a thousand men according to military rank. However, Cavalry Commandant was different. This important military position, ranked below the "Minister of Ceremonies" in the Han dynasty, had a salary equivalent to "two thousand piculs," and commanded an unlimited number of cavalrymen.
This was a de facto permission for the Dragon Riders camp to recruit troops without restriction, strengthening their combat power.
While Cao Cao was ostensibly commending Cao Xiu, he was actually granting Yu'er immense authority. If he wished, the Dragon Riders camp could expand without any upper limit on its establishment.
Of course... Cao Xiu did not realize this. But as Cavalry Commandant... in terms of salary, an annual stipend of two thousand piculs was comparable to that of a prefect of a commandery. Such a reward was extremely generous for him, who had not yet reached the age of manhood.
Next, Cheng Yu, who was originally merely a Commandant of the Dragon Riders camp.
Now, while retaining this position, he was directly appointed General of the East. That alone was significant, but to be recorded in the Ministry of Personnel meant he could participate in the military and political affairs of the entire empire...
With such an official rank, he was no longer just the "Ghost Seer of the Central Plains" who "happily played with corpses and dead bodies." Entering the Ministry of Personnel, even the living would revere him; it was a meteoric rise!
And such rewards, in Cao Cao's view, were entirely deserved...
In fact, if judged strictly, regarding the westward march to Luoyang and welcoming the Son of Heaven...
Cheng Yu had successively persuaded four factions to surrender, leading to the allegiance of over fifty thousand troops. If anyone deserved the primary credit, who else could it be?
"Lord Cao..." Cheng Yu still wanted to decline.
Attributing all these surrenders and defections to him made him feel quite ashamed.
After all... he was merely following Lu Yu's instructions and acting according to the plan.
"Hahaha..." Before Cheng Yu could speak, Cao Cao waved his hand and said with a smile, "I know what you want to say. Yuan Rang, Zi Lian, Wen Ze, and Wen Qian have all said what you intended to say. How can your merits be separated from Commander Lu's plans?"
At this point, Cao Cao paused and continued, "It is said that one should plan before acting. If it were merely his plan, without your subsequent 'action,' the current situation would not have arisen. Zhongde... you are truly worthy of being admitted to the Ministry of Personnel!"
"Cheng Yu thanks Lord Cao..." Since Cao Cao had spoken so plainly, it would seem disingenuous for Cheng Yu to refuse further. He bowed repeatedly in thanks.
Cao Xiu awoke from his immense joy. Seeing Cheng Yu express his gratitude, he realized he had not yet thanked his uncle. He immediately cupped his hands and bowed, "Xiu also thanks Lord Cao!"
"Do not thank me!" Cao Cao stroked his beard. "You and the Dragon Riders camp rise and fall together. Although the scholarly general holds other responsibilities, do not forget that you are still members of the Dragon Riders camp, and your commander is still Lu Yu!"
"Yes!" Cheng Yu and Cao Xiu bowed in acknowledgment...
*Hoo...*
Seeing them bow in thanks, Cao Cao let out a sigh of relief and nodded.
He mused to himself that the official titles of Yu'er's two right-hand men were still insufficient, and their military achievements still had room for growth.
If, one day, the Dragon Riders camp could look down upon the entire Cao faction, and Cheng Yu and Cao Xiu could achieve even greater merits, hold the most prestigious positions, and become the absolute core of the Cao faction!
At that time... Yu'er's foundation for assuming the position of heir apparent would be much more solid, and subsequent matters would proceed smoothly.
Just as he thought of this...
*Hmm?* Cao Cao suddenly realized that there was still one person in the mansion!
Huang Zhong... That's right, Huang Zhong, who had shaken Jingnan. Why was he silent?
Although Cao Cao's expression remained unchanged, the biggest surprise he had from this Dragon Riders camp was Huang Zhong.
After all...
Cao Cao had long heard of Huang Zhong's reputation for shaking Jingnan.
In fact... Cao Cao was not unfamiliar with Huang Zhong. Liu Jingsheng had a valiant general who, at fifty years old, showed no less vigor than in his prime. He wielded his saber, striking fear into bandits, and his three-foot bow never missed its mark!
Such a formidable figure, who was as awe-inspiring as a lightning bolt...
How did he...
Come to the Dragon Riders camp inexplicably?
And... he was merely a mounted archer. Yet, judging by Huang Zhong's demeanor, he seemed to be enjoying his role as a mounted archer, which was truly puzzling!
Cao Cao felt utterly bewildered. Huang Zhong had been the foremost general under Liu Biao in Jingnan, holding titles like General of the Guards. Were these titles not more appealing than being a mounted archer?
Of course... Cao Cao would not delve too deeply into it.
Regardless, Huang Zhong joining the Dragon Riders camp was a great stroke of luck for Cao Cao.
For this very reason, Cao Cao did not hesitate to bestow rewards. Promoting him from mounted archer to General Who Pacifies the East was skipping numerous ranks.
One should know that the rank above General Who Pacifies the East was the Four Generals of the Campaigns, the Four Generals of the Garrisons, and the Generals of the Front, Rear, Left, and Right. Those who held these general titles in the Han dynasty were all renowned figures.
But...
To his surprise!
Despite the significant title of General Who Pacifies the East, Huang Zhong remained silent, not showing the slightest sign of joy on his face.
"Does General Huang feel the reward is insufficient?"
Seeing Huang Zhong's silence, Cao Cao took the initiative to ask.
"No!" Huang Zhong shook his head. "I merely do not know if, as General Who Pacifies the East, I can still serve in the Dragon Riders camp! And if I can still serve Lord Lu!"
*Hmm...* This...
Cao Cao narrowed his eyes. Huang Zhong, who had shaken Jingnan, in his single sentence, did not deviate from the Dragon Riders camp or Yu'er. This was deeply meaningful!
What exactly had happened between him and Yu'er?
Why was he so sincerely convinced of Yu'er's abilities?
Cao Cao probed, "What if you cannot?"
As soon as Cao Cao spoke, Huang Zhong replied without hesitation, "Then I can only resign this position of General Who Pacifies the East and continue to be a mounted archer in the Dragon Riders camp, serving Lord Lu!"
*Hoo...*
Upon hearing this, not only Cao Cao was shocked, but Cheng Yu and Cao Xiu were also stunned.
They were unaware of the "father-son" relationship between Cao Cao and Lu Yu...
Under this premise, Huang Zhong's words seemed exceptionally sensitive. This might implicate Lord Lu and cause Lord Cao to suspect Lord Lu!
"Lord Cao... General Huang did not mean it that way..." Cheng Yu immediately spoke, attempting to explain...
"It matters not! Hahahaha..."
To his surprise, Cao Cao did not mind at all... Instead, he laughed heartily with a sense of melancholy.
"General Who Pacifies the East is my Cao Cao's General Who Pacifies the East, the Han dynasty's General Who Pacifies the East, and naturally, the Dragon Riders camp's General Who Pacifies the East! Hahahaha..."
Truth be told, Cao Cao was quite pleased with Huang Zhong's declaration. He hoped to have more such loyal civil and military officials around Yu'er.
Even without someone like Huang Zhong, Cao Cao had been contemplating selecting such a person for Yu'er.
With this thought, Cao Cao's tone became particularly firm.
"If General Who Pacifies the East wishes to remain in the Dragon Riders camp, then so be it. Whoever has any objections, let them come and ask me, Cao Cao!"
When Cao Cao's final declaration was made...
Huang Zhong finally cupped his hands. "General Who Pacifies the East Huang Zhong thanks Lord Cao!"
The dust settled...
The officers of the Dragon Riders camp had been rewarded. As for Cao Xiu, Xiahou Heng, Xiahou Ba, Cao Anmin, and the others, although they had shown their prowess during the march, they had not yet reached the stage of acting independently. They would be rewarded along with the rest of the Dragon Riders camp's soldiers.
"Lord Cao, we shall take our leave then..."
Cheng Yu cupped his hands...
Cao Cao nodded. Throughout the day, he had been contemplating the rewards for each meritorious official.
Although it was tiring, it was also very fulfilling...
This was also the great benefit of welcoming the Emperor and gaining the trust of the Emperor and the court.
Official titles from the court were easily obtained. This was something Cao Cao, as the Governor of Yan Province, had never even dared to imagine.
...
Cao Xiu, Cheng Yu, and Huang Zhong walked out of the Grand General's mansion.
Cheng Yu's forehead was still covered in a cold sweat.
Having interacted with Huang Zhong for some time, they had found their temperaments compatible. Therefore...
They did not hide anything from each other...
"Hansheng, do you know that your words just now nearly put Lord Lu in danger!"
"Why is that?"
Huang Zhong was a straightforward person, saying what he thought without any concealment.
Because of this, he easily offended people with his words, which was why, despite his extraordinary martial skills, he could never enter the inner circle in Jing Province.
"Oh dear..." Cheng Yu stamped his foot. "Do you know this is the Cao faction? All the subordinates belong to Lord Cao. If you speak like that, only serving Lord Lu, won't it make Lord Cao think that Lord Lu is superior to him? This will cause Lord Lu to face unfounded suspicion..."
Upon hearing this...
Huang Zhong realized he had spoken out of turn. It was one thing for him to be straightforward, but if his frankness harmed his benefactor, that would be a grave sin.
"I..." Huang Zhong slapped his forehead and turned around, intending to return to the main hall of the Grand General's mansion to explain to Cao Cao again.
Cheng Yu grabbed him...
"Going back now would only make Lord Cao more suspicious. Forget it... We can explain to Lord Cao when we earn more merits in the future."
"Oh..."
Huang Zhong nodded.
Upon hearing that he had endangered Lu Yu, he became agitated. Now, naturally, he believed whatever Cheng Yu said.
Even so, Huang Zhong couldn't help but blame himself. "It's all my fault!"
"General Huang need not blame himself too much..." Cao Xiu added. "Commandant Cheng exaggerates. Although my uncle is prone to suspicion, he never doubts those he trusts."
Cao Xiu explained truthfully, "Uncle appointed me Cavalry Commandant, and the Dragon Riders camp will henceforth have no fixed strength limit. This allows the Dragon Riders camp to expand its scale. This is enough to prove that Lord Cao has great trust in Lord Lu. Commandant Cheng is surely worrying unnecessarily. Uncle will definitely not suspect Lord Lu."
"I hope so too!" Cheng Yu nodded...
Speaking of which, Cheng Yu, Huang Zhong, and Cao Xiu represented three entirely different types of individuals who had joined the Cao faction...
Cao Xiu, being a member of the Cao clan, had to speak highly of his uncle while serving Lu Yu.
Cheng Yu was a talented individual from the Yan Province region, and Huang Zhong had joined later. Therefore, what seemed like a sensitive remark to Cheng Yu was not considered that serious by Cao Xiu...
As the three were still conversing...
They heard a clear shout—"So you are all here!"
That voice?
Cao Xiu, Cheng Yu, and Huang Zhong turned their heads...
Behind them, hurrying from the Grand General's mansion, was none other than the Lord Lu Yu they were thinking of!
Lu Yu walked at the forefront, and behind him were three individuals, each more imposing than the last!
Who else could they be but Xu Huang, Xu Chu, and Dian Wei!
With the four of them arriving together, Lu Yu's own physique seemed rather slender.
In fact, Cheng Yu felt a sense of fear. He felt that if Xu Chu and Dian Wei were not careful, they might crush Lord Lu if he was squeezed between them!
In short, the sight of the four of them walking together was particularly peculiar.
"Greetings, Lord Lu..."
Almost in unison...
They performed a military salute. According to protocol, everyone in the Dragon Riders camp was required to salute Lu Yu formally.
"We are all family, no need for formalities..."
Lu Yu smiled slightly. His peripheral vision swept across the Grand General's mansion. "You are emerging from the Grand General's mansion. I presume Lord Cao has conferred some rewards upon you! Tell me, what official positions do you hold now?"
"As Lord Lu says..." Cao Xiu began. "Lord Cao appointed me Cavalry Commandant, and the Dragon Riders camp will henceforth have no fixed strength limit! Lord Cao appointed Commandant Cheng as General of the East and recorded him in the Ministry of Personnel. As for General Huang Zhong, Lord Cao directly appointed him General Who Pacifies the East!"
*Hmm...*
Lu Yu paused slightly. These rewards were unexpectedly generous!
Let alone Huang Zhong's leap from "mounted archer" to General Who Pacifies the East;
Or Cheng Yu, the "Ghost Seer," entering the Ministry of Personnel;
Even appointing Cao Xiu as Cavalry Commandant and removing the fixed strength limit for the Dragon Riders camp meant that his Dragon Riders camp was to be allowed to develop freely and expand its scale!
*Hiss...*
Lu Yu's eyes darted around. He suddenly had the urge to have the Dragon Riders camp recruit Xu Chu and the five hundred strong men from Xu Family Village.
But it was only for a fleeting moment...
Lu Yu still considered that while the Dragon Riders camp was important, Old Cao's safety was also crucial...
Xu Chu should be "returned" to Old Cao. He should honestly form his Tiger Guards.
After all, Old Cao's life would be coveted by many people in the future, and he could not fall. Lu Yu and his sister could only live comfortably if Old Cao, this powerful pillar, remained standing firm.
"Congratulations, congratulations..."
Lu Yu smiled faintly and congratulated them. "I will go see Lord Cao first. When we return, our Dragon Riders camp will hold a banquet to celebrate your new positions, and also to celebrate our Dragon Riders camp's achievements!"
With that said, Lu Yu did not linger and immediately led Xu Chu, Dian Wei, and Xu Huang into the Grand General's mansion.
Xu Chu, Dian Wei, and Xu Huang did not forget to salute Cao Xiu and the other two...
Cao Xiu, Cheng Yu, and Huang Zhong returned the salute, which served as a greeting among the pillars of the Dragon Riders camp!
After a few moments, Lu Yu, leading the three, stepped over the high threshold of the Grand General's mansion.
Just above the threshold, directly under the plaque of the Grand General's mansion, Lu Yu's footsteps paused.
He raised his head to look at the conspicuous characters "Grand General's Mansion" on the plaque, and his brow furrowed slightly.
He immediately shook his head...
Lu Yu mused to himself, "Good heavens, Old Cao is getting a bit too ambitious..."
This was simply outrageous. Now that the sky was clear and the rain had stopped, Old Cao felt he was on the verge of something great!
Grand General...
If Old Cao truly took on this title, what awaited him would likely be a song of doom.
*Hoo...*
With a light sigh, Lu Yu quickened his pace and entered.
Cheng Yu, Cao Xiu, and Huang Zhong exchanged glances...
It was Cao Xiu who first voiced a question. "Regarding this westward march to Luoyang and welcoming the Emperor, Lord Lu's careful planning and subsequent action can be considered the primary merit. How will Uncle reward him? And what official position will he bestow upon him?"
Upon hearing this...
Cheng Yu and Huang Zhong stroked their beards in unison.
Indeed, what title would Lord Lu receive? They were also very curious...
"Commandant Cheng's insight is most keen. What do you think Uncle will bestow upon Lord Lu?" Seeing their silence, Cao Xiu could not help but ask again...
Cheng Yu shook his head, then nodded. "Our Lord is young. Even if it's high, it can't surpass the positions of the 'Three Excellencies,' right? However, if it's one of the Nine Ministers..."
As he spoke, a gleam appeared in Cheng Yu's eyes, a radiant, captivating gleam.
...
...
Outside the main hall of the Grand General's mansion.
"Wait for me for a moment. I'm going to see Lord Cao." Lu Yu turned and instructed Xu Huang and Xu Chu.
After all, they were surrendered generals.
Before the surrendered generals met the lord, Lu Yu felt it was necessary to report first.
"Please, Lord Lu." Xu Huang said, then stood respectfully outside the door, hands clasped behind his back, looking imposing.
As for Xu Chu, he appeared quite casual. "We'll wait for Lord Lu..." he said, looking around.
This Grand General's mansion was so magnificent! Having grown up in the countryside, he had never seen anything like it.
*Tap, tap...*
Lu Yu turned and entered the main hall with brisk steps.
The guards outside were all familiar to Lu Yu. They not only did not stop him but also reminded him.
"Lord Cao has been waiting for Lord Lu for some time..."
*Hmm? Waiting for me for some time?*
Lu Yu blinked slightly, then pushed the door open and stepped inside.
At this moment, Cao Cao was still sitting at his desk, writing something with flowing strokes. He looked up and saw Lu Yu, and a smile of joy immediately appeared on his face.
"You're here?"
"I am here!" Lu Yu replied...
Cao Cao suddenly stood up and said with a smile, "I have something to discuss with you!"
Lu Yu cupped his hands. "Lu Yu also has something to report to Lord Cao..."
Upon hearing this, Cao Cao did not reply. He walked directly to Lu Yu and pulled him to sit down beside him.
The two sat kneeling, completely lacking the demeanor of a superior meeting a subordinate...
They were like two close friends who had not seen each other for a long time.
Finally, Cao Cao spoke.
"You speak first, or I speak first?"
"I..." Lu Yu paused slightly. "Please, Lord Cao, you speak first..."
Hahaha... Cao Cao laughed heartily. He placed two memorials on the desk in front of Lu Yu, and as he did so, he reminded him.
"This is the first memorial I will submit to His Majesty at tomorrow's morning court. The one beside it is the second. Commander Lu is intelligent and astute. Why don't you guess what is written in this first memorial?"
*Hoo...*
Has it come to a guessing game?
Lu Yu tapped his forehead. Immediately, a myriad of answers flooded his mind. Who knew... which one was the correct answer!
...
...